Car-free Sunday shows Brussels at its best! It's when the capital becomes Europe's biggest car-free zone, so you can really enjoy soft mobility in a peaceful and pleasant city. It's the perfect opportunity to plan a weekend in Brussels and travel by train. On the day itself, you can travel to and from Brussels for the modest price of €8 from any Belgian station! And to make this magical day even more unforgettable, we have a few fun activities to recommend. Walkers, cyclists and roller skaters: the city is yours!
© Epbombaert
On Sunday 21 September you can get a return train ticket for only 8 euros,
travel from any station in Belgium!
Treat yourself to a spot of culture
If there is one weekend you should experience in our capital, it's the weekend of Car-free Sunday. The entire region becomes a giant amusement park, where you can play to your heart's content in places where cars normally race by. But Brussels is much more than just a paradise for cyclists and walkers on that day: it's also a cultural celebration. Every year, the Brussels Heritage Day are held on that same weekend. Discover Brussels' rich architectural heritage through this year's theme: “Art Deco, the Roaring Twenties, the Crisis Years”. Traditionally, the Folklorissimo festival showcases our region's folklore heritage. Head to the Grand-Place and the Manneken-Pis statue for dance performances, brass bands, a sing-along choir, crossbow shooting and much more.
And we haven't even mentioned the capital's rich array of ongoing exhibitions. Big names on the autumn programme include Frida Kahlo, Jules Verne, Sebastião Salgado, Baldessari and our very own Charlotte Abramow. Here you'll find a selection of the top events of the moment.
Try out typical daytime activities
Of course, there are a whole heap of fun things organised for Car-free Sunday.
A crowd favourite is the flea market on rue de Flandre. For two whole days, you can rummage through all kinds of goodies and pick them up for next to nothing. Still haven't found what you're looking for? Then head over to the Closet Sale in De Markten. In addition to browsing clothing pieces in search of a second life, you can enjoy refreshments in a pleasant, musical atmosphere.
Be sure to stop by the Beursschouwburg. As has become tradition, they too will be throwing a party on Car-free Sunday. You can get your hair cut, enjoy a delicious brunch and take part in creative workshops and classes!
And at 13:00, Ancienne Belgique will be turning up its annual streetsounds on boulevard Anapach. This year, there will be an exclusive performance by the Brussels-based Arab rock band The Grey Stars.
You'll find even more festivities here.
Stay in a bike-friendly hotel
As we said earlier, it's the perfect weekend for a bike trip to Brussels! And why not stay in a bike-friendly hotel? Here, cyclists are treated like royalty and everything is done to make your stay as enjoyable as possible. Tips for exploring the area by bike, the possibility to store your bike or rent one, as well as having all the necessary equipment for maintaining your two-wheeler on site, are all part of the facilities and guarantee a smooth stay.
Discover Brussels with one of our walks
Our top tip: put on your walking shoes and discover Brussels' neighbourhoods with our walks. You'll be amazed by their diversity and uniqueness. Prefer themed walks? Choose comic strip murals, nature, history, architecture and more! We also offer a series of digital walks.
© visit.brussels - Eric Danhier
Brussels by bike
Welcome to Brussels, a city of cyclists! Here you'll find all the best routes, facilities and events for cycling enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or someone who enjoys the occasional bike ride, a two-wheeled trip to Brussels is definitely a must. Pump up those tyres and saddle up!
